The United States puts up a double block with Russell Holmes and William "Reid" Priddy holding off Russia's Taras Khtey as the hosts recorded a win on Friday

Wichita, Kansas, USA, July 9, 2010 – USA surprised 2010 FIVB World League Pool C leaders Russia with a straight sets (25-21, 27-25, 25-23) win over the side on Friday in Wichita, Kansas.

With the win, the USA improves their win-loss record to 8-3 in Pool C and remain in second place while Russia gets its second loss at 9-2. The U.S. Men will attempt to earn a place at the Final Round in Cordoba, Argentina when the two teams play their second and final Intercontinental Round match on Saturday at 6 pm local time.

The United States out-blocked Russia 8-5, but Russia led in spikes 53-49 and in aces 3-1.

The United States’ Reid Priddy led all scorers with 15 points on 11 kills, three blocks and an ace. Clay Stanley and Russell Holmes each scored 12 for the U.S.

Semen Poltavskiy led Russia with 14 points on 13 kills and one ace.

Russia was hurt by 17 service errors while the U.S. had 10. Russia made a total of 28 team errors while the United States made 16.

A key point in the match came in the second set when Russia led 14-11. U.S. setter Kevin Hansen tipped the ball for a U.S. point. Middle blocker David Lee took the serve and served for the next four points as the USA took a 15-14 lead on two Priddy blocks and a Russian hitting error. Although Russia would tie the score, it would never hold the lead again in the set.

In the third set, Russia led 23-22 when the U.S. got a block from Priddy and Lee to tie the game. Holmes gave the USA match point with a kill and Poltavskiy’s hit went long to give the U.S. the victory.